Mobile App Development Company in Saudi Arabia Cost To Develop Custom Mobile Apps In Saudi Arabia (KSA) – Guide 2025 Edition

In today’s digital-first economy, Saudi Arabia is witnessing an incredible shift—one where businesses are no longer asking “Should we go mobile?” but rather, “How fast can we build a mobile app that actually works for our audience?” 

Whether it’s a retail startup in Riyadh, a logistics firm in Jeddah, or a healthcare provider in Dammam, custom mobile apps are becoming the backbone of business transformation in the Kingdom.

But here’s the part where most business owners hit a wall: How much does it really cost to build a custom mobile app in Saudi Arabia in 2025? Is it SAR 50,000? SAR 500,000? Or somewhere in between? 

Well, the cost ultimately depends on several influential factors. From your app’s complexity to design and the choice of platform to backend infrastructure, and even your development partner’s location and experience. 

You know the cost of developing a custom mobile app incur a lot. Therefore, as a business owner you must want to properly estimate the mobile app development cost in Saudi Arabia so that you can efficiently utilize your budget. 

This blog gives you a deep dive into the cost to develop custom mobile apps in KSA, based on what’s happening right now in the 2025 landscape. Here, we’ll explore key cost drivers and other influential factors that matter to make smarter and future-ready decisions for your business.

So, let’s decode the real numbers behind building a custom mobile app in Saudi Arabia.

The Rising Demand for Mobile Apps in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is booming with growing technology innovation and growth in mobile app development. From bustling Riyadh cafés to remote towns in Al-Ula, people are glued to their smartphones—not just for calls and texts, but for everything: food delivery, banking, e-commerce, transportation, entertainment, even healthcare. 

And mobile apps are at the center of it all, fueling the rise of every mobile app development company in Saudi Arabia working to meet this growing demand. So there is a growing demand for mobile apps in Saudi Arabia? Here are those reasons.

Vision 2030: Fueling the App Economy

Vision 2030, the huge ambition behind Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, is not just a hype. Rather, it has very fundamentally catalyzed the gates for absolute digital evolution across sections. KSA is setting a big ambition to open its economy for broader digitalization. In their ambition for digital services, smart cities, and robust tech ecosystems, many entities from government to private sectors have accelerated the call for custom mobile app development. 

E-Commerce & Retail: At Our Fingertips

The e-commerce market in Saudi Arabia recorded a revenue of $63.5 million in 2023. And which is now estimated to reach $264.1 Million by 2030. Traditional retailers migrate online like geese, and mobile apps are the obvious game-winner and centre-of-the-storm strategy in this market transition. As such, the demand for mobile app development services in Riyadh and other cities in KSA is experiencing a great enhancement, particularly among retail brands wishing to remain up-to-date with market trends. 

FinTech Explosion: Banking on Mobile

The banking services are seeing an increase in mobile-first technology. Indeed, the trend is enveloping the global world of finance. Enabled by both the facilities of open banking and the increasing number of digital wallets like STC Pay, people are exploring mobile finance like never before.                                              

Such would be a once-in-a-half-century opportunity for promising FinTech startups, as well as already established banks, to collaborate with promising mobile app development company in Saudi, and create secure, scalable tech frameworks that are inherently tailored to local financial market needs. 

Healthcare Reimagined

Saudi Arabia saw a surge in the adoption of telehealth, with apps gaining traction for consultation diagnosis and even mental health programs. With the emphasis on digitized and accessible healthcare by the government, trusted mobile app development companies in Saudi Arabia plan to establish the links between physicians and patients, maybe in the most remote or underprivileged regions. And due to this, the demand for such apps is now on the rise. 

Smart Cities Need Smart Apps

Smart cities are descending from the sky to be built in real-time. These smart ecosystems are heavily centered around IoT and real-time user interaction, and apps are the primary interface for various players, namely residents, tourists, and service providers. Therefore, every app development agency in Riyadh is considering it worth the while, in having their projects be fully in tune with the future infrastructural developments aligned with mobile apps. 

Youth-Driven Demand for Digital-First Experiences

A generation is progressively becoming the predominant force in shaping demand. More than 70% of Saudi Arabia’s population is less than 35 years old-supported by the fact that this generation has been raised with screens responding to every swipe or touch. The result? A consumer who wants things at the tip of his fingers— and just a few minutes away. 

This young generation now look for apps for several purposes that involve entertainment, education, and increased productivity. As a result, this change has made mobile app development in KSA more crucial than ever as brands work hard to meet the expectations of a demanding public. 

Major Factors Impacting Custom Mobile App Development Cost in Saudi Arabia

As we told earlier the cost of developing a custom mobile app involves several key factors. Therefore, in order to analyze the exact value of your custom mobile app development project, we have to assess various factors which impact overall. 

1. Complexity of the App: Simple Idea vs. Sophisticated Innovation?

The more complicated your app is, the bigger the bill it may land you with. Going in for a utility app that has some basic functionality like an online calculator or even a to-do list reduces the development hours and also reduces the complexity of features required for better interaction among them all.

With features like real-time GPS tracking, AI integration, payment gateways, AR/VR, or secure login systems, you might just see that the development hours (and the price) almost triple. Hence, you have to see how complex your app is. Does it require advanced-scale architecture? Or is it a standard application? This thing will determine the development timeline and eventually cost. 

2. Configuration Level: Off-the-Shelf vs. Custom 

Businesses that aspire to make apps channels that don’t espouse all the common mundane apps. The mainstream app made from a template cheaper, but with so much less concerning end-user experience and scalability. A good custom app with an Arabic mindset, local payment systems such as Mada, or bilingual interfaces in English-Arabic adds more cost but is more engaging and helps boost brand loyalty. 

More customization= more effort = a higher cost. Yes, but in the long run, much higher return on investments. And this is where the excellence of a mobile app development agency comes into play.

3. Platform selection: Android, iOS, or Both?

In any case, the cost more or less inclines towards the platform upon which you are developing.

 Android-only distribution is generally low. But, if you choose to develop the application for both Android in addition to iOS, you make a double-time effort. If cross-platform development frameworks like Flutter or React Native solutions are chosen, one can save up to 30% to 40% in cost but still benefit from performance, on or near what a native would bring.

4. Local Talent vs. Offshore Development

The cost of hiring local app developers in Saudi Arabia as against that of hiring from outside of the region plays a huge role in the final budget. Working with a local mobile app development company in Riyadh ensures better cultural understanding, region-specific compliance, and faster on-ground communication. 

But this also might come with a higher hourly cost when compared to development elsewhere, such as India, Eastern Europe, or SEA.Nevertheless, in case you go to an hire offshore development team, it would affect either the quality of your product or it would fail in indigenous localization.

5. Features and Integrations: What’s Going On in the Engine Room?

Every app has a “must-have” list of features. Well, not all features are made equal! Want in-app purchases? You will require a secure payment gateway. Want to send push notifications? Welcome to a new level of technology. Real-time chat? GPS-based search? Social media sign-up? With each extra module, scope and price increase. 

At least for KSA businesses, it modifies the degree of complexity and also significantly bumps up on the budget. Hence, you have to consider the features and integrations aspect while analyzing the cost. 

6. Security and Compliance Requirements

In sectors such as fintech, healthcare, and logistics, Saudi Arabia has some of the world’s most stringent data security and compliance guidelines. Perhaps SAMA compliance codes govern a financial securities app, or standards akin to GDPR. 

Apps dealing with sensitive information from users should be developed to work with secure authentication; encrypted data storage; server compliance is a no-brainer. The latter will necessitate robust backend development and security audits, both of which as a resultwill further drain into the overall budget. 

7. Testing, QA & Bug Fixes

Many business development enterprises don’t provide for post-development work. In reality, Quality Assurance (QA) is the phase where the real work starts toward preparing your app for the market scenario. Different QA testing activities like multitest for compatibility, speed, UX flows, security vulnerabilities, and even ensuring the display of Arabic—this would take up time and require skills. So when you opt for partnering with a mobile app development company in Riyadh, for instance, make sure they conduct a good number of tests for every little detail before the app is deployed.

Estimating The Custom Mobile App Development Cost in Saudi Arabia (KSA)

Now, it’s time to come closer to our main question. There cannot be one fixed price slab that can help you to get a mobile app coded in Saudi Arabia, as the price may vary drastically based on the type of app you want to build, the developer you hire, and the level of design, features, and performance you wish to go with. 

For new businesses and startups in KSA, the mobile app development cost in Saudi Arabia may lie anywhere between SAR 50K to SAR 500K (approx. USD 13K to USD 130K)-and here’s why there’s such a huge gap. So, to get a clear and detailed understanding, below we have broken down the cost of custom mobile app development in Saudi Arabia in different aspects. 

1. Types of Mobile Apps: Simple Utility vs. Business-grade Approach

The first and the biggest factor determining your budget is based on what kind of app you’re building. For instance, a simple app like a news aggregator or a simple e-catalogue that doesn’t have any backend could cost about SAR 50K-90K. On the other hand, a full-fledged e-commerce or a food delivery or healthcare platform with real-time payment gateways, the integration of numerous APIs, dashboards, and localisation could easily cross way over SAR 250K to SAR 400K.

In the growing culture of mobile apps in Saudi Arabia, many companies these days want to actually produce a digital product rather than just an app, which certainly means a more in-depth product and higher cost to produce. Therefore, there are many forward-thinking brands turning towards the top mobile app development companies in Saudi Arabia with the notion of scaling securely and intelligently.

2. Tech Stack: Native vs. Cross-Platform Development

Do you want your app to be developed natively for both iOS and Android separately? Or do you want a cross-platform solution having a single codebase developed using frameworks like Flutter or React Native? Native obviously gives you better performance but seems a bit expensive as it requires double effort.

On the other hand, Cross-Platform development solutions are very economical and apt for startups and MVPs. They save 30-40% of cost with only slight trade-offs in performance. This is the case in Saudi Arabia, where such agencies opt for Flutter-based mobile apps that can balance between quality and pricing. 

3. Who Builds It: Freelancers vs. Agencies vs. Local Experts

Going with a freelance developer from Upwork might take care of the budget but at the cost of a development strategy, scalability, and lagging post-launch support. On the other side of the spectrum, hiring a top-notch mobile app development company in Saudi Arabia can bring you additional benefits such as:

• A business partnership for strategic planning
• UI/UX design with good experience
• Agile development
• Quality Assurance
• Post-launch maintenance support

4. Design and User Experience (UX): A Non-Negotiable Investment

The KSA users today expect a beautiful, clean, bilingual app (in English and Arabic). In that respect, the layout should be culturally aligned. Think right-to-left design support, Arabic fonts, payment integrations such as Mada, and UI patterns that are appealing to the local populace.A great design is measured not just by the looks, but by how well it helps a user know and interact with the app. 

Thus, a beautifully designed app with a focus on strengthening the user design and retaining the custom brand; expect to shell out anywhere from SAR 20,000 to 70,000 in addition to the mobile app development cost in saudi arabia. 

Comparison Overview of Cost for Custom App Development in Saudi Arabia: Riyadh vs Jeddah vs Dammam

Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam are among rapidly tech-evolving cities of the KSA. All of them have great rising market demand for mobile app development services. However, when it comes to pricing, there may be a slight difference which you shouldn’t miss out while budgeting.

Here we have given a region-wise cost estimation for mobile app development in Saudi Arabia, along with a comparison overview between Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. This breakdown considers local economic factors, developer availability, infrastructure, and demand dynamics in each city to give an overview of which city could work better for your project. 

Region/City	Average Cost Range (SAR)	USD Equivalent	Development Ecosystem Summary
Riyadh	SAR 100,000 – 500,000	$26,000 – $130,000	Mature tech scene, government contracts, Vision 2030 digital push
Jeddah	SAR 80,000 – 400,000	$21,000 – $105,000	Creative market, strong business and retail app demand
Dammam (Eastern Province)	SAR 70,000 – 350,000	$18,500 – $92,000	Industrial focus, emerging tech ecosystem, lower development rates
Smaller Cities (e.g., Abha, Medina, Tabuk)	SAR 50,000 – 250,000	$13,000 – $66,000	Limited local developers, often outsource to Riyadh or Jeddah agencies

Now, as you are planning to invest in custom app development so you also might be considering its alternative, white-label solution, right? Well, this may sound good initially but it is very essential to compare the both accurately so that your app may not have to compromise on a long-term scale. 

White-label Solutions vs. Custom App Development?

Custom App Development

Custom Android Applications are created right from scratch and are tailored to suit your business needs, workflows, target audience, and branding.

Why Does It Works in KSA?

• Brand-first market
• Great consumer expectations
• Vision 2030 alignment

White-Label Apps:

An off-the-shelf application that is rebranded with company name, logo, and beautiful colors is termed as a white-label app. The main point is that it doesn’t seem to have much flexibility.

Why It Could Be Made to Work in KSA, (Sometimes)

• With minimum Viable Product (MVP) in mind
• Level 3-4 enterprises with a limited budget
• A non-tech business has decided to leap

So how to decide which option is better between the both? Let’s find out 

Comparative Overview of Custom Mobile App vs White-Label App

Feature / Factor	Custom App	White-Label App
Development Time	3–6 months	2–4 weeks
Initial Cost	High (SAR 100K+)	Low (SAR 10K–30K setup + monthly fees)
Brand Customization	Full control – 100% unique	Very limited
Scalability	High – built for your growth	Restricted by platform
Arabic UX & Local Integration	Deep customization possible	Basic or generic
Ownership	Full IP ownership	You’re just a tenant
Ideal For	Funded startups, enterprises, big vision	Small business, test-phase apps
Long-Term Viability	Excellent	Needs upgrade later

So, seeing the above comparison it is clear white-label app solutions may appear very cost-efficient. However, when it comes to security and quality standards, custom app development takes the edge. Each option has its pros, but depending on how these choices weigh against the budget, business objectives, and long-term strategic vision will make the better choice more evident. To give you more confidence on this, let us give you further detailed understanding to make the right decision. 

App Development Cost vs Customization: An in-Detail Comparison 

Custom App Development

Developing a custom mobile app in Saudi Arabia is quite the use of capital. In big cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, the mobile app development costs in Saudi Arabia usually experience variation somewhere between SAR 100,000 and SAR 500,000 for a completely customized app. But this is dependent upon multiple market factors: complexity of features, platform(s) complexity (iOS or Android), and level of UI/UX customization. 

While one will spend more upfront through this route, it will fetch a decent value for the long term, offering flexibility, full control of the brand, and scope for growth of their business. This route is the way to go for big-sized start-up firms, enterprises, or any business venturing into the slap-it-out-at-you competitive KSA market. Consequently, most people go for a high-end mobile development company in Saudi Arabia so as to get their work perfect and on time. 

White-Label App Development

White-label apps, on the other hand, cost less initially-with their prices averaging somewhere between SAR 10,000 and SAR 50,000. They do not require any programming discipline since the app comes ready-made, only requiring some branding and minor mods on the features. This is a low-cost option to look into for small businesses, startups with small budgets, or companies looking to quickly enter the market.

However; low expenditure is attributable to near zero flexibility as well as uncertainty in any long-term growth. If you are really looking for a high-quality future-compatible app, undergoing white-label-based applications is just buying time over a solution. Even the best app developers in Saudi Arabia will stress on most of its shortcomings-mainly loss of significant personalization and the spectrum of innovation.

When to Choose Custom App Development amongst Saudi Arabia?

In the Kingdom, if you plan a smartphone app with life-extending, scalable, evolutionary attributes capable of flowing with your business, go for fully customized development of your chosen type. It has a noticeably high upfront cost but the customization, growth, and brand building acquired over a period pay larger dividends.

When to choose White-label apps?

White-Label apps work best for MVPs and quick launches. But, remember that if scaling or branding growth is in the direction of future goals, white labeling-ness may be a big question mark. In the end: If deployment should be such, hence it inevitably collides with the precise goals and constraints of the perceived choices, the deal is yours.

How to Choose the Best Mobile App Development Partner in Saudi Arabia?

The choice of selecting the perfect mobile app development company in Saudi Arabia for your custom app project is a critical move for any business aiming and desiring to initiate progress in the digital scope. Due to the swift growth of mobile technologies in the region, you must collaborate with a developer which can understand your market needs. The following can work as a quick guide to assist you in taking the right step.

1. Look for Proven Expertise and Experience
2. Evaluate Their Technical Skills and Innovation
3. Check Their Portfolio and Reviews
4. Understand About Your Business and Market
5. Discuss Their System and Method for Communication
6. Compare Pricing and Values
7. Look Out for Support and Maintenance after Launch

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

When hiring an app development partner, you must ask questions in order to make an informed choice. Here are some key questions to ask to help you before you go down the decision-making route. 

• What is your experience in developing apps in my industry? 
• Can I see your portfolio of past work? 
• Do you place importance on UX (User Experience) design? 
• Which technologies are you specialized in? 
• How are the project management functions divided? 
• What measures ensure the safety of the app being developed? 
• What are the post-launch app maintenance support procedures guaranteed? 
• Can I have client names for reference, please? 
• So can you tell us about your pricing model? 
• What are the expected timelines for delivery? 
• How would you communicate throughout the development lifecycle?

Closing Thoughts

In conclusion, while the mobile app development cost in Saudi Arabia can vary greatly depending on numerous factors, it is obviously worth investing in a custom app over time. With the Kingdom’s growing digital ecosystem, having the custom app helps not only elevate the image of the business but also provides innovative ways to connect with the customers and enhance user experience. 

Therefore, partnering with a reliable mobile app development company in Saudi Arabia like TechGropse is the best decision you can make as we have years of proven industry experience in the country for delivering market-ready apps for startups and new businesses in KSA. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to build a custom mobile app in Saudi Arabia in 2025? Is it cheaper to outsource mobile app development outside Saudi Arabia? What is the timeline for custom app development in Riyadh or Jeddah? Do I need a license to build an app in Saudi Arabia? Should I choose a local development company or go offshore? What are the maintenance costs after building a mobile app? How to reduce mobile app development costs in KSA? Which platform is more popular in KSA: Android or iOS? Can I get a bilingual (Arabic-English) mobile app? What industries are investing most in mobile apps in Saudi Arabia? What’s the difference between white-label and custom app development? What kind of ROI can I expect from a custom mobile app in KSA?